The Inuit are a Native American people whose homelands are in the Canadian Arctic. A special exhibit at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Washington, featured The Inuit Art of Povungnituk. Povungnituk is a village on the eastern shores of Hudson Bay in Arctic Quebec. This artwork provides some insights into the daily life of the Inuit people.
Traditionally, the Inuit were a hunting and gathering people whose subsistence was based on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants. As a hunting people, close observation of animals and their behaviors was important.
According to the display:
“Crisp images of native animals and human figures set against stark backgrounds portray the rituals of survival of the people and creatures of the harsh northern regions.”
Shown below are some of the animal illustrations from this special exhibit.
More About the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic
Indians 101: Arctic Boats
Indians 101: The Arctic Culture Area
Indians 101: Inuit Art (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Aleut Basketry (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Yup'ik Masks (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Inupiaq Art (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Some Inuit Art (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Inuit Daily Life (Art Diary)